System and method for generating an image in a three-dimensionally printed object

ABSTRACT

A system for generating three dimensional objects that include an image, and methods for manufacturing and using same. Some embodiments include an elongated line for generating a three dimensional object via additive manufacturing having an image defined by a pixel array, where the line includes a plurality of discrete pixels disposed along the length of the line, the pixels configured to generate the pixel array. Other embodiments include an extruder system configured to extrude a line. Further embodiments include a method of generating a three dimensional object via additive manufacturing having an image defined by a pixel array

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of,U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/113,280, filed Feb. 6, 2015, whichapplication is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entiretyfor all purposes.

BACKGROUND

In the field of additive manufacturing and three-dimensional (3D)printing, a conventional system includes depositing an extrusion on asurface or plane (2D) in order to “draw” layers of a three dimensionalobject being printed. Layer upon layer of the object is built until theobject is complete. Such hardware receives instructions from 3D imagingsoftware, similar to those used by architects and design engineers, withthe additional feature that the software “slices” the parameters of theobject to print, and sends instructions about each layer to a CNC(Computerized Numeric Control) machine that moves in two axes whiledepositing the material that “draws” each layer. After each layer iscompleted, the machine deposits the next layer on top of the priorlayer. This process continues until the three-dimensional object iscompleted.

Some existing systems may only create monochromatic objects. Otherexisting systems are capable of creating objects with more than onecolor (and/or a grayscale pattern), but these systems suffer fromvarious drawbacks. Accordingly, a need exists for a new system andmethod for generating images in three dimensional objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is an exemplary perspective and zoom drawing illustrating anembodiment of a three dimensional object that includes an image definedby a pixel array.

FIG. 1b is an exemplary perspective and zoom drawing illustratinganother embodiment of a three dimensional object that includes an imagedefined by a pixel array.

FIGS. 2a-c are exemplary drawings illustrating example embodiments of apixel array.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary drawing illustrating an embodiment of a line ofor having colored pixels.

FIGS. 4a-d illustrate example embodiments of the line of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 5a-d illustrate lines in accordance with further embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a depositing module that comprises a pair of wheelsdisposed within a housing, which is configured to deposit a line on asubstrate.

FIG. 7a illustrates a side view and zoom view of an embodiment of a lineextruder that comprises an inkjet printing assembly.

FIG. 7b illustrates a zoom view of the line inkjet assembly of FIG. 7 a.

FIG. 8a illustrates a side view and zoom view of an embodiment of a lineextruder that comprises an inkjet printing assembly.

FIG. 8b illustrates a zoom view of the inkjet assembly of FIG. 8 a.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method for generating a three-dimensionalobject that comprises an image.

FIGS. 10a-c illustrate respective example line paths that can be used togenerate a circular layer in accordance with various embodiments.

FIGS. 11a-d illustrate further example embodiments of a line of orhaving colored pixels.

It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and thatelements of similar structures or functions are generally represented bylike reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout thefigures. It also should be noted that the figures are only intended tofacilitate the description of the preferred embodiments. The figures donot illustrate every aspect of the described embodiments and do notlimit the scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Since currently-available additive manufacturing and 3D printing systemsare deficient in creating images in three dimensional objects, a newsystem and method for generating images in three dimensional objects canprove desirable and provide a basis for a wide range of applications,such as generating color images in three dimensional objects.

For example, various embodiments described herein comprise generating aline having a plurality of color segments (referred to as “pixels”) andthen arranging the line in a pattern that, when deposited, generates apixel array that matches an image. However, unlike two-dimensionaldigital images that are defined by a planar array of color pixels,various embodiments described herein can leverage 3D printing techniquesto generate images on and/or within printed three dimensional objects.In other words, by selectively depositing a pixelated line in layers toform a three dimensional object, the three dimensional object cancomprise a desired image.

FIG. 1a illustrates an example of a printed object 100A (a cup) thatcomprises an image 105 on an outer surface 101 of the object 100A. Asillustrated in zoomed view 110A, the image 105 is defined by a pixelarray 115 that comprises a plurality of colored pixels 120 that aredisposed in rows 125. In various embodiments, the rows 125 can compriseparallel portions or segments of a line 300 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3and described in detail herein).

FIG. 1b illustrates another example of a printed object 100B (a doll'shead) that comprises an image 105 on an outer surface 101 of the object100B. As illustrated in zoomed view 110B, the image 105 is defined by apixel array 115 that comprises a plurality of colored pixels 120 thatare disposed in rows 125. In various embodiments, the rows 125 cancomprise parallel portions or segments of a line 300 (e.g., shown inFIG. 3 and described in detail herein).

Although various embodiments discussed herein can relate to a pixelarray 115 that comprises a plurality of colored pixels 120, furtherembodiments can include any suitable imaging method, including black andwhite, grayscale, and the like. Additionally, any suitable color modelmethod can be used including CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black); RGB(red, green, blue); the Munsell Color System; HSB (hue, saturation,brightness); HLS (hue, lightness, saturation); indexed color; LAB(lightness, redness/greenness, yellowness/blueness); Natural ColorSystem (NCS); halftone coloring; duotone, or the like. Additionally, anysuitable pigments, colorings, or textures can be used in variousembodiments. For example, metals such as chrome, silver, gold, and thelike can be present in a pixel 120. Accordingly, it should be clear thatany example embodiments described herein are not limiting on the manyalternative embodiments that are within the scope and spirit of thepresent invention.

A pixel array 115 can be configured in various suitable ways and FIGS.2a-c illustrate three example embodiments of a pixel array 115. FIG.2a-c illustrate a pixel array 115 comprising a plurality of pixels 120that are disposed in a plurality of rows 125. The rows 125 are separatedby a row boundary 210, and each of the pixels 120 is separated by pixelboundary 220 within the rows 125.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2a , the pixels 120 are of uniform size andthe pixel boundaries 220 are shown in an aligned configuration. In theembodiment of FIG. 2b , the pixels 120 are of uniform size and the pixelboundaries 220 are shown in an offset configuration. In the embodimentof FIG. 2c , the pixels 120 are of non-uniform size and the pixelboundaries 220 are shown in aligned and offset configurations.

Accordingly, in various embodiments, the pixels 120 of a pixel array 115can be of uniform or non-uniform size and pixel boundaries 220 betweenrows 125 can be aligned and/or offset. In some embodiments, pixels 120can be non-uniform, with a limited number of sizes. For example, pixels120 can be of two sizes—large and small. In such embodiments, large andsmall pixels 120 can be arranged in a pattern or can be in a randomizedor non-uniform configuration.

Additionally, although some embodiments illustrate pixels 120 of anarray 115 arranged in rows 125, further embodiments can comprise pixels120 arranged in columns. In further embodiments, a row or columnarrangement can be absent, and pixels can be packed in any othersuitable uniform, non-uniform, or patterned arrangement.

Rows 125 of a pixel array 115 can be defined in various suitable ways.For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a line 300 that comprises a plurality ofpixels 120 that are separated by respective pixel boundaries 220. Inthis non-limiting example, the pixels 120 comprise the colors black,white, yellow, magenta and cyan.

Although FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a line 300 where pixels120 span the full width or circumference of the line 300, in furtherembodiments, pixels 120 do not span the full width or circumference ofthe line 300. For example, pixels 110 can comprise colored portionsaround the width or circumference of the line 300.

FIG. 11a illustrates an embodiment wherein circular pixels 110, aredisposed uniformly around the circumference of a cylindrical line 300,with the pixels 120 being set on a background 1150. Although FIG. 11aillustrates circular pixels 110 in an offset pattern, this arrangementis only one of many possible embodiments that are within the scope andspirit of the present invention. For example, pixels 110 can be arrangedin any suitable pattern (e.g., aligned, offset, or the like) and candefine one or more shape including, a circle, oval, square, triangle,rectangle, or the like. In various embodiments, software can generateany suitable arrangement of pixels 110 which are described herein or arewithin the scope and spirit of the invention. FIG. 11b illustrates anembodiment wherein pixels 110 of non-uniform size and shape, aredisposed non-uniformly around the circumference of a cylindrical line300, with the pixels 120 being set on a background 1150.

FIG. 11c illustrates an embodiment of a rectangular line 300 having aplurality of pixels 110 around the width of the line 300. In thisexample embodiment, pixels 110 span both sides of edges 1160 of the line300 with four pixels 110 being disposed around a given width of the line300 in respective rows separated by boundaries 120. FIG. 11d illustratesanother example embodiment of a cylindrical line 300 having a pluralityof pixels 110 around the circumference of the line 300. In this exampleembodiment, there are four pixels disposed around a given circumferenceof the line 300 in respective rows separated by boundaries 120.

The line 300 can be configured in various suitable ways. For example,FIG. 4a illustrates one embodiment of a line 300 that comprises aplurality pixels 120 separated by pixel boundaries 220, where each pixel120 is defined by a pixel body 400 and the pixel boundaries 120 aredefined by the coupling of respective top and bottom ends 401, 402 ofadjoining pixel bodies 400.

FIG. 4b illustrates another embodiment of a line 300 that comprises aplurality pixels 120 separated by pixel boundaries 220, where each pixel120 is defined by a pixel body 400. The pixel boundaries 120 are definedby a boundary body 410 that resides between respective top and bottomends 401, 402 of adjoining pixel bodies 400.

In some embodiments, the boundary body 410 can comprise the samematerial as a pixel body 400, but in some embodiments, the boundary body410 can comprise different materials than the pixel body 400. In someembodiments, the boundary body can be a liquid that hardens into a solidor can be a solid body that is inserted between respective pixel bodies400. Additionally, although the boundary body 410 is shown as beingdarker than the pixel bodies 400, in various embodiments, a boundarybody 410 can be any suitable color or can be transparent, translucent,or the like. Furthermore, although various embodiments described hereinrelate to discrete pixels, further embodiments can comprise pixelshaving boundaries that are diffuse, a gradient, blurred, transitional,or the like.

FIG. 4c illustrates a further embodiment of a line 300 that comprises aplurality pixels 120 separated by pixel boundaries 220, where each pixel120 is defined by a pixel body 400 and the pixel boundaries 120 aredefined by the coupling of respective top and bottom ends 401, 402 ofadjoining pixel bodies 400. The pixel bodies 400 also comprise a cavity430 defined by the pixel body.

Such a cavity 430 can be any suitable size or shape in accordance withvarious embodiments. In some embodiments, the cavity 430 can becompletely internal to the pixel body 400, but in further embodiments,the pixel body 400 can comprise one or more orifice (not shown) thatprovides a passage into and out of the cavity 430.

As described in more detail herein, in various embodiments, the line 300can be colored by disposing coloring (e.g., a fluid, solid, powder, orthe like) into the cavity 430. In some embodiments, coloring can beintroduced via one or more orifice (not shown) defined by the pixel body400 and in some embodiments, the pixel body 400 can be punctured andcoloring can be added to the cavity 430 via the puncture (e.g., coloringcan be injected into the cavity 430).

FIGS. 4a-c illustrate embodiments where a line 300 comprises a pluralityof discrete pixel bodies 400 that can be coupled to generate acontiguous line 300. Coupling of pixel bodies 400 can be achieved in anysuitable way, including an adhesive, welding, a boundary body 410, orthe like. In further embodiments, pixel bodies 400 can be coupled viamagnets, corresponding coupling structures (e.g., a friction fit,tongue-and-groove, hook-and-loop, or the like), one or more string orfilament that runs through or around the plurality of pixel bodies 400,an outer casing, or any other suitable coupling method or structure.

In contrast, in some embodiments, a line 300 can comprise a continuousbody 450 as illustrated in FIG. 4d . In such an embodiment, portions ofthe body 450 can be colored in various suitable ways as describedherein, including ink jet printing, dyeing, elechtrochromia,photochromia, thermochromia, spraying, laser printing, stamping,electrostatic painting introduction of pigment into the body 450, or thelike.

Although FIGS. 3 and 4 a-d illustrate embodiments of a line 300 that iselongated and cylindrical, further embodiments can comprise a line 300and/or pixel bodies 400 that have various suitable shapes, sizes andprofiles. For example, in some embodiments, a line 300 can comprise aplurality of cuboid pixel bodies 400 as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5brespectively. In some embodiments, a line 300 can comprise a pluralityof spherical or ovoid pixel bodies 400 as shown in FIGS. 5c and 5drespectively.

Additionally, a line 300 can comprise any suitable material, includingnylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic), a resin, a metal,ceramic, gypsum, and the like. In some preferred embodiments, a line 300can comprise an extrudable thermoplastic polymer.

A line 300 comprising a plurality of pixel bodies 400 can be used togenerate a colored object 100 (e.g., FIGS. 1a and 1b ) in varioussuitable ways. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates a depositing module 600that comprises a pair of wheels 610 disposed within a housing 605. Thewheels 610 are configured to rotatably contact a line 300, which pullsthe line 300 into a hopper 615 and urges the line 300 out a nozzle 620,where the line 300 is deposited on a substrate 625. The depositingmodule 600 can also comprise a heat element 630 that is configured toheat a portion of the line 300 that is leaving the nozzle 620, which canmelt the pixel bodies 400 in this portion of the line 300. Such meltingcan result in flattening of deposited pixel bodies 635 and can cause thedeposited pixel bodies 635 to be coupled with the substrate 625. Theheat element 630 can generate and provide heat in various suitable waysincluding via a hot air blower, an electric heating coil, inductiveheating, a laser, a light bulb, or the like.

In various embodiments, the line 300 can be heated via any suitablemethod such that the line 300 is extrudable (e.g., heated to atemperature where the line 300 is within a range of fluidity where theheated line 300 can be extruded in a desired way). Any suitable heatedextrusion process can be used in various embodiments, including FusedDeposition Modeling (FDM), Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), Plastic JetPrinting (PJP), or the like. However, these examples of threedimensional printing using heat should not be construed to be limitingon the scope of the present invention, and some embodiments can use anysuitable cold or non-heated three dimensional printing method ortechnique.

In various embodiments, the housing 605 and/or substrate 625 can beconfigured to move in one or more dimension, which can facilitateselective deposition of pixel bodies 400 onto the substrate 625 and/oron pixel bodies 400 that are present on the substrate 625. In otherwords, the depositing module 600 can be used for additive manufacturingand/or three-dimensional (3D) printing applications to create threedimensional colored objects 100 like the cup illustrated in FIG. 1a andthe doll's head illustrated in FIG. 1b . By selective deposition ofpixel bodies 400, the depositing module 600 can generate a pixel array115, which can generate an image 105 on the object 100 as shown in FIGS.1a and 1 b.

In some embodiments, a line 300 can be colored during an extrusionprocess. For example, FIG. 7a illustrates an embodiment of a lineextruder 700 that comprises a housing 705 that includes a feeder 710that feeds a feeder line 300A into the housing 705. The feeder line 300Apasses through an extrusion head 715 and out a nozzle 720 as an extrudedline 300B. In this example, the line 300 is modified as the line 300passes through the extruder 700 to form the extruded line 300B.

The close-up view 725 of the nozzle 720 illustrates that the nozzle 720can comprise an inkjet system 721 that is configured to color the line300 and generate pixels 110 (see FIGS. 1a and 1b ) in the line 300. Inthis example, the inkjet system 721 is configured for CMYK coloring andcomprises ink feeders 740C, 740M, 740Y, 740K, which respectively feedcyan, magenta, yellow and black ink to respective injectors 735C, 735M,735Y, 735K. As illustrated in FIG. 7b , the injectors 735 are configuredto imprint the line 300 via respective injector heads 745C, 745M, 745Y,745K while as the line 300 passes through a printing chamber 730.

In accordance with various embodiments, the feeder line 300A can beheated within the extruder housing 705 and molded into a narrower line300 that is then colored via the inkjet system 721 as discussed above.In further embodiments, various other suitable systems can color orotherwise modify the line 300. For example, in some embodiments liquidor solid pigments (e.g., powder) can be introduced to the line 300 inthe printing chamber 730. For example, such pigments can be introducedvia spraying, rollers, or other suitable method.

In some embodiments, a line 300 can be colored after an extrusionprocess. For example, FIG. 8a illustrates another embodiment of a lineextruder 800 that comprises a housing 805 that includes a feeder 810that feeds a feeder line 300A into the housing 805. The feeder line 300Apasses through an extrusion head 815 and out a nozzle 820 as an extrudedline 300B. In this example, the line 300 is modified as the line 300passes through the extruder 800 to form the extruded line 300B. Theextruded line then passes through an inkjet system 821 to generate acolored line 300C.

As shown in the close-up view 825, the inkjet system 821 can beconfigured to color the line 300 and generate pixels 110 (see FIGS. 1aand 1b ) in the extruded line 300B. In this example, the inkjet system821 is configured for CMYK coloring and comprises ink feeders 840C,840M, 840Y, 840K, which respectively feed cyan, magenta, yellow andblack ink to respective jets 835C, 835M, 835Y, 835K. The jets 835 areconfigured to imprint the line 300 via respective jet heads 845 as shownin FIG. 8b , which shows jet heads 845 of the black jet 835K in a closeup view of the bottom of the black jet 835K.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 8a , some embodiments can comprise hotextrusion of a line 300. Further embodiments can comprise cold extrusionor any other suitable process. Additionally, such extruders can bemovably configured to position an extruded line on a substrate 625 (seeFIG. 6), which may or may not also be configured to be movable. Asdiscussed herein, by selectively depositing the extruded line 300 on asubstrate 625 and/or on the line 300 that has already been deposited onthe substrate 625, such extruders can be configured to generate threedimensional objects 100 (see FIGS. 1a and 1b ) that comprise an image105 defined by pixels 120 of a pixel matrix 115, which is defined by thedeposited line 300.

Additionally, although ink jetting during and after extrusion is shownas some examples of coloring of a line 300, further embodiments cancomprise mixing of powder or liquid pigments and the material beingextruded (before, after, or during extrusion); inkjetting the extrusionafter it has been extruded and after it has been deposited; feeding anextruder with suitable amounts of different colors of the line materialin a sequence that coincides with the desired order of the string ofcolors; using permanent photochromic materials for the extrusion andapplying different spectrums of light to portions of the extruded line300 in order to obtain a desired color sequence; using permanentelectrochromic materials for the extrusion and applying differentelectric discharges to portions of the extruded line 300 in order toobtain a desired color sequence; using permanent thermochromic materialsfor the extrusion and applying different temperatures to portions of theextruded line 300 in order to obtain a desired color sequence, and thelike.

In addition to device hardware and materials that can be used togenerate three-dimensional objects 100 that comprise images 105, furtherembodiments are directed to methods and software products for designingsuch objects 100 and driving various devices to generate such objects100. For example, FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method 900 forgenerating a three-dimensional object 100 that comprises an image 105.

The method begins, in block 910, where a three dimensional objectspecification is obtained. For example, in some embodimentsthree-dimensional objects can be designed in a computer aided drawing(CAD) environment and their specifications can be stored in varioussuitable formats, including IGES (Initial Graphics ExchangeSpecification), JT (by Siemens PLM Software), Parasolid (byShapeData/Siemens PLM Software), PRC (Product Representation Compact),STEP (International Organization for Standardization (ISO) #10303),Stereolithigraphy/Standard Tessellation Language (STL), Universal 3D (3DIndustry Forum), VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language), and the like.Accordingly, in some embodiments, a user can generate a 3D image,whereas in other embodiments the user can obtain a specification forthree dimensional objects from another source (e.g., downloading a file,3D scanning, or the like).

In block 920, image data corresponding to the object is obtained. Forexample, such image data can be present in a file format described aboveor can be present in another format. As discussed above, users cangenerate their own images, or can obtain images from another source.

In one embodiment, a user can use a CAD program to design a threedimensional object and/or associate an image with a three dimensionalobject. For example, in some embodiments, a user can paint or otherwisecolor a three dimensional image. In another embodiment, a user canimport an existing image and associate it with a three dimensionalobject. In other embodiments, a user can obtain and use existing objectand image data.

In block 930, a line path is determined for generating the object. Forexample, in the field of additive manufacturing and 3D printing, it maybe necessary to convert data related to a three dimensional object intoinstructions for printing or additively making the subject threedimensional object. For example, in the case of cold or hot extrusion ofa line 300 of material, a path can be generated that a nozzle 620, 720,820 (see FIGS. 6, 7 a, 7 b and 8 a) can travel relative to a substrate625 (see FIG. 6), or the like, to generate the three dimensional objectwith the line 300. In other words, a determination can be made where theline 300 will be deposited on the substrate 625 and/or on material thathas already been deposited on the substrate (e.g., extruded line 300, orother material). In various embodiments, such a conversion may comprisea conversion from a 3D CAD format (e.g., as discussed above) to G-code(designed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology), STEP-NC (ISO#10303, #10303-238 and #14649), or any other suitable numerical control(NC) programming language.

In various embodiments, a line path can comprise a plurality ofhorizontal slices or layers that additively generate a three-dimensionalobject. However, in further embodiments, line paths can be any suitableform, including vertical slices, slices in a plurality of directions orangles, or the like. Line paths can be substantially contiguous for anentire three dimensional object or can comprise one or more portionswhere deposition of a line 300 stops at one position and then beginsagain at another position.

In block 940, line pixel specifications are generated that will createthe image associated with the three dimensional object. For example, inaddition to determining where the line 300 will be deposited tophysically generate the three dimensional object, a determination can bemade regarding pigmentation of the line 300 so that when the line 300 isdeposited, the line 300 generates a pixel array 115 (see FIGS. 1a and 1b) defined by adjoining pixels 110 of the line 300, such that the pixelarray 115 generates a desired image 105.

In various embodiments, designing the line 300 can comprise determininga pigmentation or coloring for each pixel of a line 300 that will forman object. In some embodiments, such a design can be based on the widthor diameter of the line 300, the anticipated width or diameter of theline 300 once deposited, the material comprising the line 300, and thelike. In some embodiments, designing a line 300 can comprise selecting apixel color, a pixel pigmentation, a pixel additive, a pixel texture, apixel opacity, a pixel length, a pixel width, a line width, a pixelshape, a line shape, a pixel material, and the like.

In some embodiments, it can be beneficial to identify portions of theline 300 that will be on the external portion (including holes,cavities, pores, and the like, in some embodiments) of the object andonly selectively color or pigment such portions of the line 300 becauseinternal portions of the line 300 and object may not be observable ifthe external portion of the object is substantially opaque. This may bebeneficial because coloring and/or pigmenting material can be saved forportions of the object that will be externally viewable.

However, in some embodiments, portions of the line 300 and object can betransparent and/or translucent, and it can be beneficial to color orpigment portions of the object that are not external portions. Forexample, in some embodiments, it can be desirable to pigment or colorinternal portions of an object such that it looks like solid objects aresuspended within the object (e.g., like a spider preserved in amber), togenerate a layered image, to have an internal image layer that isprotected, or the like.

In such embodiments where portions of the line 300 are colored and whereother portions of the line 300 are not colored as described above, itmay be desirable to determine a line path (see e.g., block 930 in FIG.9) where colored portions are deposited in groups that are as contiguousand as long as possible. This may be desirable for improving theaccuracy and quality of a resulting image.

For example, referring to FIGS. 10a-c , there are various ways that alayer or slice of a three dimensional object (in this example a circle)can be generated. FIG. 10a illustrates an example deposit path 1001where a circle is generated by depositing a plurality of verticalcolumns of varying lengths until a circle is formed. In such anembodiment, if only the external portions of the circle are colored andinternal portions are not colored, then such colored portions will onlybe small portions at the beginning and end of each vertical column.Accordingly, such a line path may not be desirable in some embodiments.

In contrast, FIGS. 10b and 10c illustrate embodiments of line paths1002, 1003, where the outer perimeter of the circle can be depositedfirst (or last). For example FIG. 10b illustrates a path 1002 where theouter portion of the circle is deposited first and then the internalportion of the circle is deposited via increasingly smaller concentriccircles deposited therein. In an alternative embodiment, the internalconcentric circles can be formed first and the external portions of thecircle can be deposited last.

Similarly, FIG. 10c illustrates a path 1003 where the outer portion ofthe circle is deposited first and then the internal portion of thecircle is deposited via a plurality of parallel lines. In an alternativeembodiment, the internal parallel lines can be formed first and theexternal portions of the circle can be deposited last.

For such paths as illustrated in FIGS. 10b and 10c , and where only theexternal portions of the circle are being colored and the internalportion are not being colored, such line paths 1002, 1003 deposit all ofthe color line first (or last in alternative embodiments) and thendeposit non-colored internal line last (or first in alternativeembodiments). As discussed above, this can be desirable in someembodiments.

The described embodiments are susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, and specific examples thereof have been shown by wayof example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that the described embodiments are not to belimited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to thecontrary, the present disclosure is to cover all modifications,equivalents, and alternatives.

What is claimed is:
 1. An elongated line for generating a threedimensional object via additive manufacturing having an image defined bya pixel array, the line comprising: a plurality of pixels disposed alongthe length of the line, the pixels configured to generate the pixelarray.
 2. The line of claim 1, wherein the pixels are defined by aplurality of pixel bodies stacked and coupled together at respective topand bottom ends to generate a contiguous line.
 3. The line of claim 2,further comprising boundary bodies disposed between a plurality ofrespective adjoining pixel bodies.
 4. The line of claim 2, wherein aplurality of the pixels comprise a cavity defined by the pixel body. 5.The line of claim 2, wherein the pixel bodies are cylindrical.
 6. Theline of claim 2, wherein the pixel bodies are spherical.
 7. The line ofclaim 1, wherein the line is defined by a continuous line body and thepixels are defined by discrete colored portions of the line body.
 8. Theline of claim 1, wherein the pixels are defined by a plurality ofdifferent colors.
 9. A three dimensional object comprising the line ofclaim 1, wherein the pixels of the line define a pixel array thatdefines an image.
 10. The three dimensional object of claim 9, wherein aportion of the pixel array is defined by an external surface of thethree dimensional object.
 11. The three dimensional object of claim 9,wherein a portion of the pixel array is defined by an internal portionof the three dimensional object.
 12. The three dimensional object ofclaim 9, wherein the pixel array defines a CMYK image.
 13. The threedimensional object of claim 9, wherein the pixel array is defined by aplurality of stacked layers of the line.
 14. A three-dimensionalprinting system for depositing an elongated line of pixels, comprising:a housing that is configured to receive the elongated line of pixels,the housing comprising: a nozzle that is configured to output anelongated line of pixels.
 15. The three-dimensional printing system ofclaim 14 further comprising a heating element that is configured to heata portion of the elongated line of pixels.
 16. The three-dimensionalprinting system of claim 14, wherein the elongated line of pixels isdefined by a plurality of pixel bodies stacked and coupled together atrespective top and bottom ends to generate a contiguous line.
 17. Thethree-dimensional printing system of claim 16, wherein boundary bodiesare disposed between a plurality of respective adjoining pixel bodies.18. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 14, wherein aplurality of the pixels comprise a cavity defined by the pixel body. 19.The three-dimensional printing system of claim 14, wherein the pixelbodies are cylindrical.
 20. The three-dimensional printing system ofclaim 14, wherein the pixel bodies are spherical.
 21. Thethree-dimensional printing system of claim 14, wherein the pixelscomprise a plurality of different colors.
 22. A three-dimensionalprinting system for creating an extrusion for use in printing athree-dimensional object, comprising: an extruder that is configured toreceive a filament; a feeder for supplying the filament to the extruder;and an injector for injecting colored dye into the filament.
 23. Thethree-dimensional printing system of claim 22, wherein the filamentcomprises an elongated line of pixels.
 24. The three-dimensionalprinting system of claim 22, wherein the extruder is configured toreceive the filament and increase the temperature of the filament to atemperature where the filament is extrudable via an extruder head of theextruder.
 25. The three-dimensional printing system of claim 24, whereinthe injector is configured to inject colored dye into the filamentbefore the filament is extruded from the extruder.
 26. Thethree-dimensional printing system of claim 24, wherein the injector isconfigured to inject colored dye into the filament after the filament isextruded from the extruder.
 27. The three-dimensional printing system ofclaim 22, wherein the injector is configured to inject colored dye intothe filament via an inkjet printing procedure.
 28. The three-dimensionalprinting system of claim 22, wherein the extruder system is configuredto deposit the filament to generate a three dimensional object having animage defined by a pixel array that is defined by the pixels of theline.
 29. A method of generating a three dimensional object via additivemanufacturing having an image defined by a pixel array, the methodcomprising: obtaining a specification for a three dimensional object;obtaining image data corresponding to the three dimensional object;determining a line path for generating the three dimensional object; anddetermining line pixel specifications to generate an image defined bythe image data on the three dimensional object.
 30. The method of claim29, further comprising generating a line based on the determined linepixel specification.
 31. The method of claim 30, further comprisingdepositing the generated line based on the determined line path togenerate the three dimensional object having an image defined by a pixelarray defined by pixels of the line.
 32. The method of claim 30, whereingenerating the line comprises extrusion.
 33. The method of claim 30,wherein generating the line comprises generating a plurality of pixelsvia inkjet printing.
 34. The method of claim 30, wherein generating theline comprises coupling a plurality of pixel bodies together in an orderdefined by the line pixel specification.